Pain Medications

Pain Medications

By Peter Watson M.D. et Judy Watt-Watson M.D.

Chronic pain is common in Canada. However, there are few pain clinics and those that do exist have long waiting lists. There are also few pain specialists working outside of pain clinics. It is, therefore, important for patients to have reputable resources to turn to for their own education.

Many forms of chronic pain can be difficult to treat. It is important to have a team of health professionals involved with a variety of approaches to these problems.

Some conditions, like fibromyalgia and tension-type headache, do not respond well to drugs. Pain management for these conditions includes physical and behavioural strategies mainly. In fact, medications often work best in combination with psychological and physical therapies.

This section focuses on the medications for pain.

Different names for your medicinesDid you know that there are often two different names for each of your medications? The generic name is the name of the active ingredient in the drug. The brand name is given to the drug by the company that produces it.

If two or more companies make the same drug, it may be available under different brand names or under the generic name. The active ingredient, and therefore the generic name, is the same for all versions of the drug. For example, ibuprofen is a generic name and Advil and Motrin are brand names for ibuprofen.

Types of pain medicationsDrugs for pain are also referred to as analgesics or “painkillers.” Analgesics come in different types and strengths. Some can be taken together and others need to be taken separately. There are several types of analgesics that can be taken according to how much pain and the type of pain you have:

Non-opioid drugs, such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for mild-to-moderate pain.

Opioid drugs, such as codeine for mild pain and oxycodone or morphine, for severe pain

Local and topical anaesthetics, such as lidocaine and EMLA

Other drugs, such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants, which can also help relieve pain

A step-wise approach is commonly used to treat pain.

Other resourcesFor information on pain medicines for children see the Pain Resource Centre at